AU2011200501B2 - Enhanced Security Fixing of a Security Screen Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of enhanced security fixing a security screen assembly, said security screen assembly comprising a sheet 5 of metal mesh-like security screen retained in an outer peripheral frame assembly by a retention means, said method comprising providing fixing apertures through said outer peripheral frame assembly, said fixing apertures having a central axis extending generally perpendicularly io to said sheet, said fixing apertures also penetrating said sheet at positions inwardly of an extreme outer peripheral edge thereof; inserting respective hollow ferrule inserts through said fixing apertures, said hollow ferrule inserts having a length greater than the thickness of the outer 15 peripheral frame assembly at the position of the fixing apertures, said retention means and said hollow ferrule inserts holding said sheet fixed to said outer peripheral frame. 2560581_1 (GHMatters) 7/02/11 Cll E14' woo--

Description

- 1 ENHANCED SECURITY FIXING OF A SECURITY SCREEN ASSEMBLY 5 This invention relates to enhanced security fixing of a security screen assembly and relates particularly although not exclusively to fixing a security screen assembly of the type disclosed in Australian patent 736536 (now assigned to Capral Aluminium Limited). The subject 10 matter of that specification is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Background 15 Security screen assemblies of the type disclosed in the aforementioned patent have found considerable commercial success. Not only does the screen assembly look attractive but there is provided a substantial security covering that prevents unwanted intruders from 20 passing and/or prevents persons behind the screens from escaping such as may be encountered in detention centres or the like where windows or doorways may need to be left open but security not compromised. 25 In some extreme conditions, screen assemblies of the above type, including other similar types, have received criticism for not providing adequate security. In other words, the security screen assembly as a whole may be torn from any surface to which it is mounted by extreme 30 loadings. The extreme loadings can occur for example, by typhoon wind loadings, or if several humans were to collectively apply a force to the screen of the screen assembly by physically applying their weight directly to the screen. 35 There is a need for an improved security retention feature. 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 2 Summary of the Invention Therefore, according to a first broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of 5 enhanced security fixing a security screen assembly, said security screen assembly comprising a sheet of metal mesh like security screen retained in a channel in an outer peripheral frame assembly by a retention means, said method comprising providing fixing apertures 10 through said outer peripheral frame assembly and through said retention means, said fixing apertures having a central axis extending generally perpendicularly to said sheet, said fixing apertures also penetrating said sheet at positions inwardly of an extreme outer peripheral edge 15 thereof; inserting respective hollow ferrule inserts through said fixing apertures, said hollow ferrule inserts having a length greater than the thickness of the outer peripheral frame assembly at the position of the fixing 20 apertures, said retention means and said hollow ferrule inserts holding said sheet fixed to said outer peripheral frame. In an example, said hollow ferrule inserts are 25 comprised of an electrically insulating material so there will be electrical isolation of said fastening means from said sheet and said outer peripheral frame to inhibit against voltaic corrosion. 30 In an example the hollow ferrule inserts each have a head positioned on a weather side outer surface of the outer peripheral frame to surround and conceal respective fixing apertures. The screen assembly is then fastened to a generally planar fixing surface with a fastening means 35 that has a head so the head engages only with the hollow ferrule inserts, and not the outer peripheral frame. 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 3 In an example, the fastening means comprises screw fastening means and there is screw threaded engagement of said screw fastening means with the interiors of the 5 hollow ferrule inserts. A security screen having enhanced security fixing obtained by using the above method is also provided. 10 In accordance with a second broad aspect of the present invention there is provided a security screen assembly comprising a sheet of metal mesh-like security screen retained in a channel in an outer peripheral frame assembly by a retention means; fixing apertures extending 15 through and around the peripheral frame, through the retention means and through the sheet retained therein; and hollow ferrule inserts inserted through the fixing apertures to supplement retention of the sheet in the outer peripheral frame, wherein the hollow ferrule inserts 20 have a length greater than the thickness of the outer peripheral frame. Brief Description of the Drawings 25 In order that the invention can be more clearly ascertained, examples of embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a view showing a transverse cross section 30 of an embodiment for use as a window screen assembly and being generally of the type disclosed in the aforementioned patent. Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing a 35 first step in the method of providing enhanced security. Figure 3 is a view similar to that in Figure 2 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 4 showing a second step in providing enhanced security. Figure 4 is a view similar to that in Figure 3 showing a third step in providing enhanced security. 5 Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 showing a final step in providing enhanced security. Figure 6 shows a hollow ferrule used in the example 10 referred to throughout Figures 1 - 5. Figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 and showing a security screen assembly and being generally of the type disclosed in the aforementioned patent for use as 15 a door screen. Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7 showing a first step in providing enhanced security. 20 Figure 9 is a view similar to that in Figure 8 showing a second step in providing enhanced security. Figure 10 is a view similar to that in Figure 9 showing a third step in providing enhanced security. 25 Figure 11 is a view similar to Figure 10 showing a further step in providing enhanced security; and Figure 12 is a view showing the ferrule insert of the 30 same type as Figure 7 but showing the ferrule insert viewed from a different angle. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments 35 Referring firstly to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 - 6, there is shown a close-up transverse cross sectional view of security screen assembly for a window. 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 5 The view shows a lower portion of the frame assembly. The arrangement is generally as disclosed in an embodiment in the aforementioned patent specification. It should be understood, that there are many other similar arrangements 5 and embodiments that permit a security screen to be held within an outer peripheral frame so as to provide a security screen assembly. All such arrangements are embraced within the inventive concept herein. 10 Because the embodiment in Figures 1 - 5 is essentially the same as that disclosed in the aforementioned patent specification, great detail will not be given as to the way the sheet screen is retained within the outer peripheral frame. 15 Broadly, however, an assembly is provided by assembling four metal extrusions or otherwise formed frame members 1 into a rectangular screen configuration. The details are disclosed in the aforementioned patent 20 specification. The frame members 1 are typically aluminium extrusions. The aluminium extrusions have a channel 3 defined by opposed side flanges 5. A sheet of metal mesh-like security screen 7 is provided. The mesh screen is of the type disclosed in the example in the 25 aforementioned patent specification. In other words, it has the same arrangement of waft and weft threads with the same diameter and spacings. The sheet 7 is typically made from stainless steel. 30 An elongate fastener 9 is provided to overlay the extreme outer peripheral edge regions of the sheet 7. The elongate fastener 9 provides a retention means in the same manner as described in the aforementioned patent specification. In other words, when the elongate fastener 35 9 is forced into the channel 3, the fastener 9 will be gripped by the surface configurations thereon co-acting with corresponding surface configurations in the mouth of 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 6 the channel 3. The elongate fastener 9 will also tightly engage with the peripheral edge regions of the sheet 7 and clampingly retain the sheet 7 within the outer peripheral frame as per the teachings in the aforementioned patent 5 specification. The elongate fastener 9 is of an electrically insulating material and electrically isolates the sheet 7 from the outer peripheral frame formed by the frame members 1. This inhibits against voltaic corrosion as discussed in the aforementioned patent specification. 10 Figure 2 shows a cross sectional edge view of a frame assembly of the type shown in Figure 1 and disclosed in the aforementioned patent specification. A plurality of fixing apertures 11 are provided through the outer 15 peripheral frame assembly as per Figures 2 and 3. In this arrangement, the apertures 11 are provided by drilling. The apertures may be provided by other means such as punching, stamping, routing or the like penetration processes. Typically, the fixing apertures 11 are 20 provided every 10 centimetres along the length of the frame members 1. Respective hollow ferrule inserts 13, as shown in Figure 6, are then inserted into the fixing apertures 11 as diagrammatically shown in Figures 3 and 4. 25 The hollow ferrule inserts 13 are made of an electrically insulating material such as synthetic plastics. They may alternatively be made of any suitable material such as a rigid metal material and suitably surface coated with an electrically insulating material if 30 desired. It is to be noted that the fixing apertures 11 penetrate the sheet 7 at positions inwardly of an extreme outer peripheral edge 15 thereof. Figure 3 shows that 35 there is a component of the sheet 7 between the fixing apertures 11 and the extreme outer peripheral edge 15 where the threads have not been penetrated. 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 7 The hollow ferrule inserts 13 have a length greater than the thickness of the outer peripheral frame assembly 5 at the position of the fixing apertures 11. This is shown clearly in Figures 4 and 5 where the hollow ferrule inserts 13 extend past the outer side faces of the outer peripheral frame. 10 Figures 4 and 5 show that a fastening means in the form of a screw is inserted into the hollow interiors of the hollow ferrule inserts so there can be screw fastening to a supporting surface 19 such as a window frame or other fixing surface. Desirably but not essentially, the 15 fastening means 17 screw thread engages with the internal surfaces of the hollow ferrule inserts 13 and also partly radially outwardly expands the ferrule inserts 13 to clampingly engage with the fixing apertures 11. In other words, the hollow ferrule inserts 13 are radially expanded 20 in the apertures 11 to grip against the surfaces of the frame members 11 that define the aperture, and also with the surfaces of the sheet 7 that define the aperture. It is noted from Figure 6 that the exterior surface 25 of the hollow ferrule inserts 13 have a plurality of longitudinally extending radially outwardly directed flanges 21, also referred to as 'ribs'. The flanges 21, in turn, can be easily deformed with a radial outward expansion of the hollow ferrule inserts 13 to clampingly 30 engage with the surfaces that define the fixing apertures 11. The radial outward expansion may also resist rotation of the ferrule in the fixing apertures 11 as a consequence of such interference with the surfaces of the fixing apertures 11. The arrangement of screw thread engaging 35 with the internal surfaces of the hollow ferrule inserts 13 enables the inserts 13 to not collapse in a direction longitudinally of the central longitudinal axis of the 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 8 inserts. In other words, there is no lengthwise compression of the inserts as a result of insertion of the fastening means 17 even if a fastening means engages with the supporting surface 19. Thus, the penetration of the 5 hollow ferrule inserts 13 through the security screen assembly assists with the retention of the sheet 7 within the outer peripheral frame 1 because of the material at the extreme outer peripheral edge 15 of the sheet 7. 10 Figure 3 - 6 also show that the hollow ferrule inserts 13 have a head 23. The head is positioned on the weather side outer surface of the outer peripheral frame to surround and conceal the respective fixing apertures 11. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 4, when the ferrule 15 inserts are inserted into the fixing apertures 11, they are inserted until the head engages with the outer peripheral surface of the outer peripheral frame. The diameter of the head 23 is typically larger than the diameter of the head of the screw fastening means 17. 20 Thus, the head 23 inhibits against the head of the screw fastening means 17 from contacting the outer surfaces of the outer peripheral frame. This, in turn, electrically isolates the outer peripheral frame from the fastening means 17 and inhibits against voltaic corrosion that may 25 otherwise occur. It is also noted that the length of the ferrule inserts 13 is greater than the thickness of the outer peripheral frame so that when the security screen assembly 30 is fixed to the supporting surface 19, the outer peripheral frame does not touch the supporting surface 19. In other words, the security screen assembly is internally electrically isolated so that the sheet 7 is not in electrical contact with the outer peripheral frame, and 35 the outer peripheral frame is, in turn, electrically isolated from the supporting surface 19. 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 9 Referring now to the embodiment as shown in Figures 7 - 12, the arrangement is substantially identical to that shown in the embodiment of Figures 1 - 6. In this embodiment, the arrangement is similar to an embodiment 5 disclosed in the aforementioned patent specification. In the embodiment of Figures 7 - 12, the arrangement is particularly suitable for providing enhanced security to the fixing of the mesh 7 within the outer peripheral 10 frame 1. Because the details of assembly are substantially identical to the previously described embodiment, only differences will be referred to. The same reference numerals have been applied to the same components. It can be seen that in this arrangement, the 15 fastening means 17 is a shorter length screw fastener than that shown in the previous embodiment. In addition, the hollow ferrule inserts 13 do not have an open end at the head end as shown in the previous embodiment. 20 In this embodiment, the hollow ferrule inserts 13 are somewhat cup shaped in transverse cross section. Instead of passing the fastening means 17 into the hollow ferrule inserts 13 from the head 23 end, they are inserted from the opposite end. This is shown in Figures 10 and 11. 25 There can be screw threaded engagement of the fastening means 17 on the internal surfaces of the hollow ferrule inserts 13 to inhibit against collapsing longitudinally of the length of the inserts 13, as described previously. There can be corresponding radially outwardly directed 30 expansion of the ferrule inserts 13 during the screw fixing process. Because the length of the hollow ferrule inserts 13 is greater than the outer peripheral frame assembly at the 35 position of the fixing apertures 11, electrical isolation is maintained between the fixing means 17, the outer peripheral frame of the frame members 1 and the sheet 7. 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 10 If desired, an electrically insulating washer may be applied as a spacer to space and electrically insulate the head of the fastening means 17 from the frame members 1. This washer has not been shown as the arrangement is self 5 evident. With the arrangement shown, enhanced security fixing is provided to the metal mesh-like security screen retained in the outer peripheral frame assembly. The 10 arrangement is suitable for areas that are cyclone or hurricane prevalent whereas the arrangement without the enhanced security fixing features may not have the same retention forces. In addition, in detention centres and other places of high security, the arrangement is able to 15 permit the security screen assembly to withstand the impact of several humans throwing their body against the mesh sheet 7 whilst still maintaining the sheet retained within the outer peripheral frame. 20 The above embodiments permit existing material stock for security screen assemblies to be retained whilst adding only a few minor additional components to an inventory stock to a adapt the screen assemblies for use with the enhanced security fixing. In addition, by using 25 the techniques herein, the existing security screen assemblies can be provided with enhanced security fixing by a retro-fit application of the hollow ferrule inserts 13 and fastening means 17. 30 It should also be appreciated that the fixing apertures 11 may have non circular profiles such as square, octagonal, elliptical or the like to inhibit against rotation of the hollow ferrule inserts 13 when a fastening means 17 such as a screw fastening is applied 35 thereto. Modifications may be made without departing from the 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 11 ambit of the invention the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description. It is to be understood that, if any prior art 5 publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 10 In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, 15 i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16

Claims (19)

1. A method of enhanced security fixing a security 5 screen assembly, said security screen assembly comprising a sheet of metal mesh-like security screen retained in a channel in an outer peripheral frame assembly by a retention means, said method comprising providing fixing apertures 10 through said outer peripheral frame assembly and through said retention means, said fixing apertures having a central axis extending generally perpendicularly to said sheet, said fixing apertures also penetrating said sheet at positions inwardly of an extreme outer peripheral edge 15 thereof; inserting respective hollow ferrule inserts through said fixing apertures, said hollow ferrule inserts having a length greater than the thickness of the outer peripheral frame assembly at the position of the fixing 20 apertures, said retention means and said hollow ferrule inserts holding said sheet fixed to said outer peripheral frame.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hollow 25 ferrule inserts are comprised of an electrically insulating material, so there will be electrical isolation of a fastening means extending through the hollow ferrule insert, from said sheet and said outer peripheral frame to inhibit against voltaic corrosion. 30

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said hollow ferrule inserts each have a head to be positioned on a weather side outer surface of said outer peripheral frame to surround and conceal respective fixing 35 apertures, inserting respective hollow ferrule inserts into respective fixing apertures until said head engages with the weather side outer peripheral surface, and then 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 13 retaining said assembly to a generally planar fixing surface with a fastening means that has a head so said head engages only with said hollow ferrule inserts, and not said outer peripheral frame. 5

4. A method as claimed in claim 3, wherein said fastening means comprises screw fastening means and wherein said insertion through said hollow ferrule inserts comprises the step of screw thread engagement of said 10 screw fastening means with the interiors of the hollow ferrule inserts.

5. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including the retention means clamping the sheet 15 of metal mesh-like security screen in the outer peripheral frame assembly.

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retention means has ratchet shaped 20 teeth.

7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sheet of metal mesh-like security screen is of woven construction. 25

8. A security screen assembly with enhanced security fixing according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 7. 30

9. A security screen assembly comprising a sheet of metal mesh-like security screen retained in a channel in an outer peripheral frame assembly by a retention means; fixing apertures extending through and around the peripheral frame, through the retention means and through 35 the sheet retained therein; and hollow ferrule inserts inserted through the fixing apertures to supplement retention of the sheet in the outer peripheral frame, 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 14 wherein the hollow ferrule inserts have a length greater than the thickness of the outer peripheral frame.

10. A security screen assembly as claimed in claim 9, 5 including a fastening means extending through each hollow ferrule insert, wherein a head of the fastening means engages only the hollow ferrule insert.

11. A security screen assembly as claimed in claim 9 or 10 10, wherein said hollow ferrule inserts are comprised of an electrically insulating material, so there will be electrical isolation of a fastening means extending through the hollow ferrule insert, from said sheet and said outer peripheral frame to inhibit against voltaic 15 corrosion.

12. A security screen assembly as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the hollow ferrule inserts are radially expandable to grip the peripheral frame. 20

13. A security screen assembly as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the exterior surface of the hollow ferrule inserts has a plurality of longitudinally extending ribs. 25

14. A security screen assembly as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the hollow ferrule inserts each have a head that surrounds and conceals the respective fixing apertures. 30

15. A security screen assembly as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the hollow ferrule inserts have one end that is closed. 35

16. A security screen as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the retention means clamps the sheet of metal mesh-like security screen in the outer peripheral 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16 - 15 frame assembly.

17. A security screen as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the retention means has ratchet shaped 5 teeth.

18. A security screen as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the sheet of metal mesh-like security screen is of woven construction. 10

19. A method of enhanced security fixing a security screen assembly, or a security screen assembly, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 7357542_1 (GHMatters) P82950.AU.1 9/02/16